DEWA gives priority to people with disabilities

DEWA gives priority to people with special needs by launching initiatives to enhance its services for them. DEWA adopts a clear strategy based on the best international standards, to achieve its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and to further integrate people with disabilities in to the community. DEWA also develops plans to help overcome any obstacles that may stand in their way by positively engaging with their social environment, helping people with special needs to contribute and be creative. DEWA is committed to employing people with special needs, by placing them in positions suited to their disabilities, in adherence with DEWA’s criteria for employment. DEWA places people with disabilities in positions that they are capable of fulfilling, helping them integrate with society.

“These initiatives support the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, by promoting community service, and the My Community… A City for Everyone initiatives, launched by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. DEWA is committed to CSR, launching initiatives and community development projects to meet the needs of the community, especially those suffering from disabilities, to achieve sustainable development in the Emirate, and create a better future for generations to come,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

“DEWA’s strategic plan includes a number of programmes to support humanitarian and charitable initiatives on nationally, regionally, and globally. These initiatives are an integral part of the government’s efforts to develop and support all society to create a healthy environment for the community, including people with special needs. They also support welfare, health, and education, by providing those with special needs, and their families, with modern necessities to achieve their happiness,” added Al Tayer.

DEWA launched the Ash’ir initiative to aid people with hearing impairments. The initiative includes instant messaging, visual chat, and sign language features to help people with special needs directly communicate with DEWA’s call centre. The service is available via DEWA’s smart app. The Omniyati initiative was also launched by DEWA to fulfil the wishes of employees with special needs, and has so far granted the wishes of 10 DEWA employees. DEWA has also implemented a valet-parking service across all of its branches, a wheel chair service, and the Maraheb initiative. DEWA has designed its Customer Happiness Centres to be accessible to the disabled, by implementing road monitoring systems for people with special needs, as well as a specialised team to deal with people with visual and hearing impairments.

In addition to this, DEWA has provided customised services for the visually impaired with braille, in addition to a booklet on how to send complaints electronically. DEWA has also implemented easier ways for people with special needs to pay their bills, and has provided tips on how to cut down on electricity and water.

DEWA has implemented a valet service for people with disabilities to park their cars, and has developed the infrastructure to use wheelchairs in its offices. The Ash’ir initiative allows people with disabilities communication directly with DEWA call centre staff. DEWA is the first government organisation in the UAE to launch such an initiative.

In cooperation with the Community Development Authority (CDA), DEWA launched a series of initiatives to reduce the burden of electricity costs for residents with low-income jobs, this also includes people with special needs who hold low-income jobs or come from less fortunate families. DEWA’s Sanad card provides a number of services to people with disabilities, the Zahker card provides special services for the elderly. The Sanad card offers benefits to individuals with special needs, such as wheelchair services and the Maraheb service, at all branches. The Zakher card provides the elderly with an easier life for their role in the construction of the community, and in adherence with the teachings of Islam, customs, and tradition of the local community. The Sanad Card provides a discount to those with special needs for service registrations, bill payment, and subscriber information charges. DEWA has also provided a drive-in service for people with special needs from their vehicles.

DEWA exempts citizens from water bills whose usage equates to under 20,000 gallons per month, this includes people with disabilities if they use the same amount. The average water consumption in a 4-5 bedroom villa equates to about 20,000 gallons per month. If people with disabilities do not exceed this amount, they are exempt. DEWA exempts low-income families registered with CDA from electricity costs, as long as they do not exceed 6,000 kilowatt hours a month. For low-income families registered at the CDA, DEWA will also bear the costs of any new connections of up to AED25,000. People with disabilities are also exempt if they fall into this category. DEWA’s Absher initiative supports employees with special needs, and features a team specialised in human resource management and a hotline to meet the needs of people with disabilities and further integrate them into society.

DEWA received the MVO8000 Global certification in social responsibility, becoming the first government body in Dubai to do so. DEWA has also achieved an advanced level in applying ISO26000 in CSR.